31 year is not a critical age for a footballer, but Zurab Khizanishvili has decided to conclude his career in the national team.
He made his debut for the national team at the age of 17. During 14 years, if he had no injuries, there was no game or practice, "Hizana" was the only unalterable player of the team. We remember his great game against Russia, Scotland and other teams, but he, like every player, had mistakes.
Khizanishvili is not a child and was well aware that his mistakes were perceived more acutely and aggressively than the mistakes of others. He had some bad matches, especially in the last qualifying round, because of this the goals were scored, but, still, if you take all of his games for the national team, it was more good than bad.
After Kaladze, he became captain of the national team, but last year they took the captain’s armband off him so, that he learned about this later, from the press.
Zura is from the football family. His father, Nodar Khizanishvili, who is a member of UEFA Cup winners’ Cup final in 1981, extremely painful perceived all the insults made against his son.
He did not raise in the bus before the match against Finland, that was wrong step and this condemns football player. But, it has been seen, that he was leaving not only the match against Finland but finally. He and Temur Ketsbaia were teammates in the national team and in “Dundee” at one time, but they have not good relations in the last year.
Last year, Khizanishvili lifted the issue about the bonus premium in the team, and this was the main reason that many offense at it. And after all, the members of coaching staff talked in the private conversations continually, that the players should be encouraged with premium. They just do not speak loudly and Khizanishvili told this to the press and that was not forgiven. We have it: who raises his voice, he faces anger. What this silence brought, we can see well.
For those people, who are experienced in Georgian football, it is well known that when Khizanishvili received the premium in the national team, he has not spent it for himself, but he transferred this amount to the orphanage.
Below we offer the statement of Khizanishvili which was distributed on Facebook:
"I'm retiring from the national team, but I remain a loyal fan of my country and my team. I've been thinking about this decision for a long time and I want to assure you, that did not make it hot- headed. I dedicated my whole life to football and I am really happy!
During these years, I remember a lot of success and failure, victory and defeat, and if I did something, it's only due to the incredible work and selflessness.
I continue my sports career, but from today, unfortunately, without the national team. During those years I spent around 400 matches in the higher leagues of Georgia, Scotland, England and Turkey, but most of all I am proud of those games (91), which I played for the national team of Georgia.
To be a representative of your country, wearing the t-shirt of your team, it's a great honor for any sportsman.
I want to thank my friends, all of those players, with whom I had the honor to defend the interests of the national team. Special thanks to all the fans of Georgian football for support. Thank you very much to all!
I do not want anyone to consider my decision as an escape from the field, but the fact is that, there is not my place in the national team any more. I'm retiring from the national team, but I remain a loyal fan of my country and my team!
Sincerely, Zura Khizanishvili”.
Ilia Nanobashvili
